OTTAWA — Former Liberal leader and minister Stéphane Dion is advocating for Canada to become a “full and integral member” of the European Political Community (EPC) to reinforce ties with the continent, rather than seeking membership in the European Union (EU).
Dion’s Recommendation to Senate Committee
Dion, who recently served as Canada’s ambassador to France and Germany and special envoy to the EU, made the recommendation before the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Ottawa on Wednesday. The EPC was established in 2022 at the proposal of French President Emmanuel Macron, bringing together leaders from 47 European countries at biannual summits to discuss cooperation on shared priorities such as security, stability, sustainability, and prosperity.
Prime Minister Mark Carney participated in the EPC Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, in May, marking the first time a non-European leader joined the group. “This is further evidence of the great interest Europeans have in Canada,” Dion, a dual citizen of Canada and France, told the committee. “So, let’s go further. Canada should become a full and integral member of the European Political Community.” He added that it would “consolidate our status as the most European of non-European countries.”
Benefits of Joining the EPC
The retired diplomat argued that joining the EPC would be “entirely beneficial for both sides” by strengthening Canada’s ties with Europe and allowing the prime minister to consult with leaders of countries he would otherwise “never have time to visit individually.”
Senators Question the Proposal
Dion’s proposal raised some eyebrows among senators. Manitoba Senator Charles Adler cautioned, “I know that, based on your professional life, you’re well aware that when you offer a sales pitch on an idea that you really deeply believe in, you want to make sure that it doesn’t become an object of mockery for your critics.” Dion responded, “If you want to mock my ideas, I don’t care. I know they are good.” Adler then noted that “people will naturally interpret that as being part of the EU,” to which Dion replied, “Yes, but I’m facing senators who know better.”
EU Ambassador’s Perspective
The European Union’s ambassador to Canada, Geneviève Tuts, who sat next to Dion during the hearing, was asked by Newfoundland and Labrador Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia about the feasibility of Canada joining the EU. Tuts explained that potential EU members must be situated on the European continent and respect EU values. “I have absolutely no doubt about the second condition. We share the same values,” she said. “Being qualified for being a European country, I’m not sure this will be possible.”
Dion emphasized that his proposal is distinct from EU membership, calling the latter “a false good idea.” He stressed that the EPC offers a practical framework for deeper cooperation without the geopolitical and legal complexities of full EU integration.
